SAN DIEGO – The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) will return to San Diego Aug. 18 after a six-month independent deployment to the 4th Fleet area of responsibility.

Gary conducted counter-drug operations and was involved in disrupting or seizing drugs in eight different events. The crew prevented more than 100 million U.S. dollars worth of illegal drugs from entering the United States.

"I could not be more proud of the performance of this crew over the last six months,” said Gary’s Commanding Officer Cmdr. Christopher J. Budde. “They worked tirelessly to keep the ship operational and it paid off. Their hard work and dedication made a big impact in the war on drugs. I am extremely grateful to our families for the constant support they provided to our Sailors."

Gary Sailors visited Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, and Columbia, and completed military training with each of their navies.

Gary helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet’s 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy’s Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

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